The Cleburne Railroaders finished off a busy offseason week with a pair of signings, featuring a familiar face from the 2025 season in American Association All-Star pitcher Derek Craft.
A pitching staff filled with injuries and turnover, the team found stability in Kade Mechals and Craft on the mound.
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The 6-foot-8 arm from Hawkins started 15 games for the Roaders in 2025, marking a team-high seven wins, a 4.67 ERA and 63 strikeouts.
Along with one of Cleburne’s aces, the Railroaders also signed outfielder Cody Thomas earlier this week.
A DFW native from Colleyville, Thomas was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 30th round of the 2013 MLB Draft; however, opted to attend the University of Oklahoma, where he played two seasons.
In 2016, the Los Angeles Dodgers selected the former Sooner in the 13th round. After four seasons within the organization’s farm system, Thomas signed with the Oakland Athletics.
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He made waves in his three seasons with the Triple-A affiliate Las Vegas Aviators, boosting him to the major league level.
From 2022-23, the outfielder appeared in 29 games as an A, posting a .250 average with 18 hits, one home run and two RBI.
Two years ago, the major leaguer traveled across the world to play for Japanese leagues before returning to the states in 2025 for a stint with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League.
Thomas had one of his best seasons with the Ducks, featuring 90 hits, 18 home runs and 70 RBI.
